Traumatic rupture of a nasoethmoidal meningoencephalocele in an adult following a difficult airway scenario

Abstract

SummaryIntranasal meningoencephaloceles are characterised by protrusion of brain and meninges through a skull‐base defect. Nasal intubation or instrumentation may lead to complications such as meningoencephalitis and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea or fistula formation. A 62 year old lady developed rhinorrhea following failed videolaryngoscopic and nasal fibreoptic intubation, which ultimately necessitated emergency surgical tracheostomy for a “can't intubation can't ventilate” scenario. This case highlights the diagnosis and management of an unusual complication resulting from difficult airway management.